It’s a no brainer: if you’ve got a single location that offers zumba classes, ice skating, skill contests for dogs, outdoor movies, free concerts, rallies, a giant New Year’s Eve celebration, a farmer’s market and kids’ splash pad, you’re going to have great people watching.

With an simple design, central location, expansive green spaces and clever programming, Discovery Green has become a gathering spot for trendy downtown residents and suburban families alike.In just three years, this 12-acre expanse has hosted more than 800 events, in fact. It’s triggered development around it, which in turn, has attracted more people to watch. Recently, Travel + Leisure Magazine tapped Discovery Green as “One of America’s Coolest City Parks.”We have to agree. Well, not so much in August.